Since the beginning of 2016, nearly 586,000 retired and elderly people residing in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine have lost access to their pensions as a result of verification procedures introduced by the Government of Ukraine, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Photo from UNIAN

About 50,000 people with disabilities from internally displaced persons (IDPs) are particularly vulnerable. At the same time, they face additional difficulties and often discrimination, UNHCR reports.

Some 800,000 people living in the area of the contact line in Luhansk and Donetsk regions are afraid for their lives because of ceasefire violations.

As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, nearly 1.6 million internally displaced people are struggling to find safety, adequate housing and access to employment, according to the UN refugee agency.

"There are frequently long queues and subsequent delays at checkpoints. Those waiting to cross have limited access to basic services, such as drinking water, latrines, weather shelters and medical care," said a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Andrej Mahecic.

In addition, about 700 schools in the conflict zone have been damaged. UNHCR helped to repair 89 schools this year.

However, about 10,000 homes are in urgent need of repair as well. Moreover, from 40 to 60 buildings close to the contact line are damaged every week.

As UNIAN reported earlier, a social township would be built for the IDPs in Odesa region. Each family will be provided with a separate apartment and land plot for temporary use.